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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are the only possible manners of escape from the Rue Morgue for the murderer?

2. What does the epigraph introduce?

3. How did the policeman describe the second voice he heard inside the Rue Morgue?

4. To Dupin, what quality of the murder defies any motive?

5. On what floor were voices heard in the Rue Morgue?

Short Essay Questions

1. What elements of the murder appear strange to the reader?

2. Describe the location of Madame L'Espanaye's daughter's body.

3. Should the sailor be held responsible for the murders? Why or why not?

4. Describe the way the orangutan behaved after killing the women, according to the sailor.

5. Describe the interview that the laundress gave.

6. Why did the police arrest Adolphe?

7. Why does Dupin feel disdain for the police investigation of the murders?

8. How might this short story have been considered controversial when it was written?

9. Why does Dupin believe that the sailor is innocent in the crimes?

10. Describe the relationship between the laundress and the two murdered women.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Is a short story the best way to convey this story's message? Explain why or why not, comparing it to another form such as a novel.

Essay Topic 2

How does Poe build suspense in the story? Find three specific examples and analyze them.

Essay Topic 3

Why does Dupin want to help solve the murder? Does he feel it is his responsibility or does he have another reason?

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